Common signs of asbestos poisoning

When you go to work, you are likely not thinking about the many different ways you could experience physical harm or suffer the effects of an illness as a result of the work you do. In reality, workers do sometimes face risks of which they may not be aware at the time. There are times when exposure to certain types of dangerous substances causes significant health issues for an employee. One of these things is exposure to asbestos, which is a toxic substance that is highly dangerous.

Workers in certain types of jobs will benefit from learning about asbestos and what exposure to this substance could mean for them. If you work in certain industries, there may be a risk that you came into contact with it, and you may notice certain types of concerning symptoms. Asbestos poisoning and related health problems may be a threat to your future, and it is in your interests to know how to proceed to ensure the protection of your legal interests and health as much as possible.

Signs of a problem

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber found in certain types of rocks and soil, but it has uses for specific purposes in many different areas. While it is useful, there has been evidence that exposure to it is dangerous as it can lead to the development of serious health problems. Asbestos is a concern in construction, manufacturing, ship making, paper mills and many more industries. Signs of asbestos exposure include the following:

  • Experiencing extreme fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling in the fingertips
  • Dry cough that lasts for a long time
  • Wheezing

If you worked in a field that may have caused you to come into contact with asbestos, you may be at risk for various grave health concerns, including asbestosis, different types of cancer and mesothelioma. Victims of asbestos exposure often require extensive and urgent medical care as many of these symptoms are not evident until the disease has progressed to a certain point.

Your rights as a victim

After exposure to asbestos at work or a diagnosis of mesothelioma, you may wonder what this could mean for the rest of your life. At this point, you will benefit from learning about the legal options available to you. Those in North Carolina who are suffering from the implications of asbestos poisoning may have grounds to pursue compensation through a civil claim.